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Several municipalities in Havana woke up this Friday without electricity service due to an Automatic Frequency Drop (DAF).
The Electric Company of Havana reported this situation through its Telegram channel. They claim that it is a protective measure activated when the frequency of the electrical system reaches critical levels, putting the stability of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) at risk.
"Good morning, at the moment there is a shot by DAF in several municipalities (...) When the frequency drops to permissible minimum values that jeopardize the stability of the entire system as a whole, it triggers an automatic disconnection of some circuits until it recovers its nominal value of 60 Hz or cycles per second," they noted.
This automatic disconnection seeks to prevent a general blackout, similar to the one that recently affected a large part of the country. Authorities confirmed that the service was impacted for 24 hours the previous day and continued to experience interruptions early Friday morning.
Worrying figures in the SEN
The Electricity System faces a critical situation. The Electric Company of Havana reported a availability of 1,270 MW against a demand of 2,260 MW, resulting in a current shortfall of 1,450 MW.
By noon, it is forecasted that 1,350 MW will still be affected, while during peak hours, an availability of 1,814 MW is projected against a demand of 3,180 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,366 MW and an estimated impact of 1,436 MW.
Failure at the CTE Antonio Guiteras
This situation is compounded by a new setback at the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant in Matanzas, where a fault was detected following a hydraulic test.
Rubén Campos Olmos, general director of the CTE, explained to Periódico Girón that the issue is located on the right sidewall of the boiler, at the level of the third set of burners.
"During the hydraulic test, another issue arose, this time on the right side wall, at the level of the third row of burners. It becomes a bit more complicated because a scaffold needs to be assembled to reach the 20-meter height, where the problem is located," detailed Campos Olmos.
The executive noted that, although repairs began at 7 a.m., the process could take about ten hours. "If the subsequent hydraulic test does not detect any new issues, we will start the ignition. However, this new failure will likely prevent us from being operational for today's peak hours, but rather by dawn tomorrow," he added.
On the other hand, it was confirmed that the Felton 1 unit successfully ignited its boiler, which is considered good news, as its operation can reduce blackouts by up to five hours. In comparison, the Guiteras thermoelectric plant corresponds to about six hours of impact if it is out of service.
Authorities urge the public to take precautions and stay informed through official channels while efforts are underway to restore the stability of the electrical system in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why did the blackout occur in Havana?
The blackout in Havana was caused by a shot from Automatic Frequency Discharge (AFD), a protective measure activated when the frequency of the electrical system reaches critical levels, endangering the stability of the National Electric Power System (SEN).
What is the current situation of the National Electro-Energy System (SEN) in Cuba?
The National Electro-Energetic System (SEN) is facing a critical situation with a capacity of 1,270 MW compared to a demand of 2,260 MW, resulting in a significant deficit. Furthermore, several thermal power plants are out of service due to breakdowns and maintenance, further complicating the situation.
What problems does the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant face?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant is facing multiple technical issues, such as boiler failures and gas leaks, which have led to its disconnection from the electrical system on several occasions. Currently, a failure in the right side wall of the boiler is under repair, but such incidents are recurrent due to the deterioration of its facilities.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to the lack of maintenance of thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and insufficient investment in electrical infrastructure. Furthermore, government decisions and its focus on the tourism sector have impacted the response capacity to this crisis.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact daily life in Cuba, affecting essential services such as hospitals, schools, and telecommunications centers. In some regions, blackouts have lasted more than 24 hours, causing significant discontent among the population.
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